Food receptacle

ABSTRACT

A food receptacle includes a top surface for retaining food and the top surface has a perimeter, an outer wall connected to the perimeter, a finger slot in the outer wall, a bottom surface with a finger channel, the finger channel corresponding to a ridge in the top surface, and a fastener that releasably attaches the receptacle to an external surface, wherein the fastener, finger slot, and finger channel are arranged so that a finger can be inserted through the finger slot and finger channel in a direction toward the fastener, and wherein the finger slot and finger channel provide a substantially unobstructed linear path to the fastener.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/702,693, entitled “Children's Eating Tray With Secure Suction Cup and Accessory Activity System” filed Sep. 18, 2012, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a food receptacle having a suction cup attached to its base to secure the food receptacle to the table surface during use.

BACKGROUND ART

It is known that young children have not yet developed the skills necessary to use utensils and eat from a bowl or plate. Instead, they eat with their hands off a flat surface, such as a table. When such a surface is in child's home, it is sanitary and clean, and there is little concern regarding the cleanliness of the surface from which the child is eating. However, when dining out, a parent can never be certain as to how well a table top has been cleaned, if at all. Of particular concern is the sanitary nature of a tabletop at a fast food restaurant, or similar establishment. For this reason, it may be beneficial to have a device, or member, which can be used in a variety of settings, whereby a child can readily pick his or her food off the device affixed to the tabletop and not readily moved on the surface while the child is eating without concern for sanitation. Such a device may reduce the stress of the feeding experience for both parent and child.

Small children tend to create a mess when eating and/or playing. They are always spilling their drink or dropping and/or playing with their food, throwing a utensil, writing or coloring on the table top, and performing other similar acts which create a mess and can damage the surface of the table or other surface associated with the child's particular activity. After eating or otherwise playing, the parent is left with the chore of cleaning up the mess. If the tabletop or other surface is expensive, damage may occur. Therefore, most parents prefer to use a placemat for positioning on the tabletop in front of the child on such occasions.

However, children will undoubtedly move, displace, or remove the placemat from its proper position or use it as a toy, causing the tabletop to be exposed. Therefore, it is preferred that that placemat include some means of securely attaching the placemat to the table surface.

Parents are continually faced with the additional challenge of juggling the kids, with multiple curious hands, along with a diaper bag and other travel accessories, at the same time. A durable, lightweight and portable device for feeding the kids away from home may reduce the stress of traveling or dining out.

Efforts to address these issues have focused on providing placemats in an attempt to protect children from unclean surfaces and reduce clean-up time. Such placemats are usually substantially planar mats formed of either disposable paper or plastic or reusable plastic. The small and flexible nature of these mats permits them to frequently become a toy for the child. Some children can easily pull up such mats while their food and beverages are resting thereon, thereby causing an even bigger mess than would have been created by not using the placemat at all.

Efforts to improve the basic design of a placemat have had limited success. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,746,735 to Snedeker added a scoop to one side of a conventional substantially planar, foldable placemat to collect food and the like that would otherwise spill on the floor during use. To help secure the placemat to the table surface, it contains a plurality of suction cups on the bottom of the placemat. The multiple suction cups are relatively small and each individual suction cup may become easily dislodged by a child, and food may fly everywhere. The scoop collects only a small percentage of the food mess created by a small child.

Another example is U.S. Pat. Pub. Nos. 2008/0292836 and 2007/0207279 to Mesalic where each provides adhesive backing. However, the placemat can easily get tangled up like a sticky bandage and stick to itself before one has had the chance to smooth it out onto the table surface. The same problem exists too in that it can easily be lifted off the table surface by a young child and tossed aside.

Another example is the U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/548,700 to Benson which features a bowl surrounded by a suction rim and U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2009/0120832 to Munden which features a small tray which slides into a suction base containing two suctions. It is removed by a tab upstanding from the rim portion of the suction cup which allows it to be lifted and release the suction from the table surface. A young child can easily grab the bowl and remove it from the suction. There is nothing holding the bowl into the suction except for a thin rim which does not hold it down. In the Munden disclosure there is a tab upstanding from the rim portion of the suction cup that a young child can easily grab and remove the suction base from the table surface.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Despite the many attempts of prior designs, there remains a genuine need for an eating tray that stays secured on the table surface, which is difficult for a young child to remove, and yet can be comfortably removed by an adult.

Generally, it is the object of the present disclosure to provide an eating plate that overcomes the shortcomings of prior designs and gives parents and caregivers of young children peace of mind that the plate upon which they put the child's food will, in fact, stay in place on the table surface. The eating plate may be equipped with a lid to store the food during travel to and from home, to bring food or leftovers home from grandma's house, a play date, a restaurant, or the like, or to store leftovers from an unfinished meal at home in the refrigerator.

One embodiment relates to an eating plate in combination with an activity cover. Typically the cover can at turns be portable, reusable, water resistant, ultra-lightweight, made from non-toxic materials, and washable. The activity cover may be easily cleaned, for example, by placing it in the dishwasher, and is reusable. The activity cover is removably attachable to substantially any suitable table of choice, including various shaped tables, such as oval, round, square, rectangular or even octagon. The eating plate is made from any suitable material of choice, which is washable, non-toxic, and water-resistant. Examples of suitable material of choice include polypropylene, which is washable, non-toxic, and water-resistant. The plate may be substantially free from BPA's, phthalates, etc.

In another embodiment, the plate and activity cover further includes an attachment device to easily attach and removably affix to the tabletop. For example, a suction device may be pressed on the table and contained on the bottom of the eating plate. The suction device is sufficiently strong and of a size and shape to substantially grasp the tabletop without permitting the plate to move once the suction is engaged, whereby a small child cannot easily remove the eating plate from the table. Again, the suction device can be made from any suitable material safe for children, such as plastic. The suction is easily removed and replaced. Such suction may have a release so that it can be detached so as to wash it in a dishwasher.

The present invention may be beneficial because it can provide a sanitary surface, as well as protecting the surface on which it is placed. Also, it may include a desirable design that appeals to children, and the plate can be readily held to a surface to prevent slippage and a clever mechanism that may prevent a curious child from lifting it off while making it easy for the parent or caregiver.

In one aspect, the eating plate and activity cover provides substantial protection for the table and substantially a sanitary eating surface.

In some embodiments, the plate may have no sharp edges or protrusions which may injure an infant or young child. In addition, the plate may have a cover which is of a sufficient size to cover substantially at least about a portion of the table which is within arm's reach of a toddler when seated at a table.

In another aspect, the eating plate and activity cover may be of simple design, may be inexpensive to manufacture, may be rugged in construction, and may be easy to use and efficient in operation. The plate and cover may include one or more designs related to children, such as animals, moving vehicles (such as cars, trains, sailboats and rocket ships), cartoon characters, nursery rhymes, or the like. Additional embodiments provide in combination an eating plate and activity cover and a method of use therefore.

In one embodiment, a food receptacle comprises: a top surface for retaining food, the top surface comprising a perimeter; an outer wall connected to the perimeter; a finger slot in the outer wall; a bottom surface comprising a finger channel, the finger channel corresponding to a ridge in the top surface; a fastener that releasably attaches the receptacle to an external surface, wherein the fastener, finger slot, and finger channel are arranged so that an adult sized finger can be inserted through the finger slot and finger channel in a direction toward the fastener, wherein the finger slot and finger channel provide a substantially unobstructed linear path to the fastener, and wherein the substantially unobstructed linear path has a length of at least about 22 mm and a cross-section at least about 13 mm wide and about 22 mm high throughout the unobstructed linear path.

In some embodiments, the food receptacle comprises a width and the finger channel extends at least 50% of the width in a direction from the outer wall toward the fastener.

In some embodiments, the substantially unobstructed linear path has a length of at least about 20 mm and a cross-section at least about 11 mm wide and about 20 mm high throughout the unobstructed linear path.

In some embodiments, the finger channel extends at least about 25% of the width in a direction from the outer wall toward the fastener. In other embodiments, the finger channel extends at least about 45% of the width in a direction from the outer wall toward the fastener. In yet other embodiments, the finger channel extends at least about 50% of the width in a direction from the outer wall toward the fastener.

In one embodiment, the receptacle has a central axis and the finger channel and finger slot are oriented at an angle from the central axis between about 10 and about 40 degrees.

In some embodiments, the fastener is a suction device.

In a further embodiment, the height of the outer wall approximates the height from the bottom of the fastener to a point on the top surface where the outer wall connects to the perimeter when the fastener is not attached to the external surface.

In one embodiment, the top surface for retaining food comprises a plurality of food compartments and the ridge separates at least about two of the plurality of food compartments.

In one embodiment, the food receptacle comprises a stabilizing member to limit rotation of the receptacle on the external surface. In a further embodiment, the stabilizing member is a non-skid surface attached to a bottom of the outer wall. In another embodiment, the stabilizing member is a non-skid surface attached to the bottom surface.

In some embodiments, the fastener is configured to couple to a coupling member. In a further embodiment, the coupling member is affixed to the bottom surface of the food receptacle. In yet a further embodiment, the fastener is further configured to releasably attach to an external surface.

In some embodiments, the fastener comprises a release tab that is positioned in the substantially unobstructed linear path.

In one embodiment, the substantially unobstructed linear path is measured as a distance from the finger slot in the outer wall to the fastener tab, and has a length of at least about 22 mm. In another embodiment, the substantially unobstructed linear path is measured as a distance from the finger slot in the outer wall to the fastener member, which has a length of at least about 79 mm.

In one embodiment, the food receptacle comprises a cover removably attached to the top surface.

In one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a food receptacle comprises: providing a main portion and providing a fastener. The main portion comprises: a top surface for retaining food, the top surface comprising a perimeter; an outer wall connected to the perimeter; a finger slot in the outer wall; a bottom surface comprising a finger channel, the finger channel corresponding to a ridge in the top surface; and a coupling member, wherein the coupling member, finger slot, and finger channel are arranged so that an adult sized finger can be inserted through the finger slot and finger channel in a direction toward the coupling member, wherein the finger slot and finger channel provide a substantially unobstructed linear path to the coupling member, and wherein the substantially unobstructed linear path has a length of at least about 22 mm and a cross-section at least about 13 mm wide and 22 mm high throughout the unobstructed linear path. The fastener is configured to couple to the coupling member, and is further configured to releasably attach to an external surface.

In one embodiment of the method of manufacturing a food receptacle. In some embodiments, the substantially unobstructed linear path has a length of at least about 20 mm and a cross-section at least about 11 mm wide and 20 mm high throughout the unobstructed linear path.

In some embodiments of the method of manufacturing a food receptacle, the finger channel extends at least about 25% of the width in a direction from the outer wall toward the fastener. In other embodiments, the finger channel extends at least about 45% of the width in a direction from the outer wall toward the fastener. In yet other embodiments, the finger channel extends at least about 50% of the width in a direction from the outer wall toward the fastener.

In one embodiment of the method of manufacturing a food receptacle, the receptacle has a central axis and the finger channel and finger slot are oriented at an angle from the central axis between 10 and 40 degrees.

In one embodiment, the method of manufacturing a food receptacle comprises providing a main portion with divided eating sections and providing a fastener. The main portion comprises a top surface for retaining food, so that food generally does not go from one compartment to the next.

In one embodiment of the method of manufacturing a food receptacle, the fastener is a suction device.

In a further embodiment of the method, the height of the outer wall approximates the height from the bottom of the fastener to a point on the top surface where the outer wall connects to the perimeter when the fastener is not attached to the external surface.

In one embodiment of the method of manufacturing a food receptacle, the top surface for retaining food comprises a plurality of food compartments and wherein the ridge separates at least about two of the plurality of food compartments.

In one embodiment of the method of manufacturing a food receptacle, the food receptacle further comprises a stabilizing member to limit rotation of the receptacle on the external surface. In a further embodiment of the method, the stabilizing member is a non-skid surface attached to a bottom of the outer wall. In another embodiment of the method, the stabilizing member is a non-skid surface attached to the bottom surface.

In one embodiment of the method of manufacturing a food receptacle, wherein the food receptacle further comprises a cover removably attached to the top surface.

In one embodiment of the method of manufacturing a food receptacle, the fastener comprises a release tab that is oriented on the fastener so that the release tab lies in the substantially unobstructed linear path when the fastener is coupled to the coupling member.

In some embodiments, a suction device may be used to secure the plate to a tabletop or other surface. The suction device is attached to the bottom surface of the plate. When the plate is to be removed, the suction device may be released through a slot that is difficult for the child to reach. The user, such as an adult feeding the child, inserts his or her finger through the slot and under the lip or release tab of the suction device. The user then lifts the plate to release the plate from the tabletop or other surface. The lip of the suction device is protected from prying children's fingers and cannot be easily accessed by the children. The finger slot is located at a distance from the suction device that may prevent the undesired possibility that a child could access and easily release the suction device. The slot may be hidden on the side of the plate, out of the reach and view of the child.

Between the finger slot and the suction device is a finger channel that corresponds to a ridge on the top surface of the plate. In one embodiment, the ridge provides a divider between eating compartments on the top surface. The food compartments may be rounded to allow more room for a finger to release the suction device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective side view of a food receptacle.

FIG. 2 is a bottom view of a food receptacle.

FIG. 3 is a top view of a food receptacle.

FIG. 4 is an angled perspective view of the top and right sides of a food receptacle.

FIG. 5 is a method of manufacturing a food receptacle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Detailed descriptions of some embodiments are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as representative examples for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner.

FIG. 1 is a perspective side view of a food receptacle 100, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The top surface 102 of the food receptacle comprises food compartments 104 for retaining food. The food compartments are separated by a ridge 106 on the top surface. The top surface further comprises a perimeter 108. The food receptacle has an outer wall 110 which is connected to the perimeter 108. The outer wall includes a finger slot 112. The food receptacle includes a cover 114. (Note: FIG. 1 includes cover 114, which is illustrated as transparent so that top surface 102 can be seen. It is to be understood that cover 114 may not be transparent in some embodiments.)

FIG. 2 shows the bottom surface 116 of food receptacle 100. The bottom surface comprises a finger channel 118, which corresponds to ridge 106 on the top surface 102. The finger slot 112 provides access to the finger channel 118. A fastener 120, depicted as a suction device, is attached to the bottom surface.

The fastener 120 is attached to a depression on bottom surface 116 corresponding to a ridge 106 on top surface 102, the depression including finger channel 118. The fastener 120 releasably attaches the food receptacle to an external surface, such as a tabletop. The fastener 120, finger slot 112 and finger channel 118 are arranged such that a finger can be inserted through the finger slot into the finger channel in a direction towards the fastener. The finger slot and finger channel provide a substantially unobstructed linear path to the fastener so that a finger can interact with the fastener.

Fastener 120 includes a tab 122 which may assist in releasing suction pressure when the fastener is attached to an external surface. This tab may be positioned in the unobstructed linear path so that it can be accessed by a finger.

Fastener 120 is configured to couple to a coupling member 124, and is further configured to releasably attach to an external surface.

Upon inserting a finger through the finger slot along the channel towards the fastener, the finger can reach the fastener and release an attached food receptacle from the external surface to which it was releasably attached. The substantially unobstructed linear path may have a length of at least about 22 mm and a cross-section at least about 13 mm wide and 22 mm high throughout the unobstructed linear path. Other dimensions may be used, provided the unobstructed linear path provides access to the fastener 120.

The height of the outer wall may approximate the height from the bottom of the fastener to a point on the top surface where the outer wall connects to the perimeter when the fastener is not attached to the external surface.

FIG. 3 shows a top view of the food receptacle depicting the top surface 102, the food compartments 104, the ridge 106, the perimeter 108, and the cover 114.

FIG. 4 provides an angled perspective view of the top and right sides of a food receptacle. The top surface 102, food compartments 104, ridge 106, perimeter 108, outer wall 110, and cover 114 are shown.

The food receptacle depicted in the figures further comprises an aesthetic element such that the functional elements described above are embodied in a penguin shape. As will be readily understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, other shapes could be used without deviating from the scope of this disclosure. Such other shapes include, but are not limited to, a car, a whale, a boat, a butterfly, a caterpillar, or other shape. The shape may be a geometric shape, such as a circle, a square, an oval, a trapezoid, or other shapes.

Receptacle 100 depicts top surface 102 as having three food compartments 104. As will be readily understood by one of skill in the art, any number of compartments could be equivalently used. In some embodiments, the food receptacle comprises between 1 and 5 separate food compartments.

Food receptacle 100 may have a length 24.4 cm, a width 20.7 cm, a height of 3.1 cm, and an eating area diameter of 17 cm. The food compartment depth may be 1.6 cm. In some embodiments, the food receptacle may be at least about 20 cm in length, 17 cm wide and 3 cm high, and the food compartment is at least about 1.5 cm deep.

In one embodiment, the top surface comprises a ridge. In a further embodiment, the ridge provides a divider between food compartments on the top surface. In a particular embodiment, the ridge separates at least two food compartments. In another embodiment, the ridge separates at least about three food compartments.

In one embodiment, the top surface perimeter is connected to an outer wall. In some embodiments, the outer wall is at least about 3.1 cm high. In another embodiment, the outer wall is at least about 3 cm high.

The outer wall of food receptacle 100 comprises a finger slot. In some embodiments, the finger slot is rounded. In this particular embodiment, the slot is hidden on the side of the plate, such that when the plate is secured to a tabletop or other surface and in front of the child, the slot is out of the reach and view of a child. In an alternative embodiment, the slot is hidden on the top of the plate, further out of the reach and view of the child. For example, the receptacle has a central axis and the finger channel and finger slot are oriented at an angle from the central axis between 10 and 40 degrees. As used herein, the central axis may be understood by reference to an orientation of an aesthetic element (for example, the penguin). For example, the central axis could be understood to be a line taken from the penguin's head to its toes.

The food receptacle comprises a fastener fixedly attached to the bottom surface. In one embodiment, the fastener is a clamp. In another embodiment, the fastener is a Velcro™ device. In yet another embodiment, the fastener is a suction device for releasably attaching the food receptacle to an external surface, such as a table top. In a further embodiment, the suction device is a vacuum suction device. In food receptacle 100, the fastener is a suction device which is a suction cup, but one of skill in the art will readily appreciate that an alternative device could be used without deviating from the scope of this disclosure.

In one embodiment, the fastener of food receptacle 100 is attached to the bottom surface of the food receptacle. In this particular embodiment, the fastener is a suction cup that releasably attaches the receptacle to an external surface. In other embodiments, the fastener is releasably attached to an external surface by friction. In yet another embodiment, the fastener is releasably attached to an external surface by Velcro™.

In some embodiments, the fastener is configured to couple to a coupling member on the bottom surface of the food receptacle. In yet a further embodiment, the fastener is further configured to releasably attach to an external surface.

The fastener of receptacle 100 is positioned a first distance from the outer wall. In some embodiments, the distance of the fastener from the outer wall is within reach of an adult but out of reach of a child.

In one embodiment, the height of the outer wall approximates the height from the bottom of the fastener to a point on the top surface where the outer wall connects to the perimeter when the fastener is not attached to the external surface.

In one embodiment, the finger slot and finger channel provide a substantially unobstructed linear path to the fastener, wherein a cross-section of the substantially unobstructed path is at least about 13 mm wide and 22 mm high. In some embodiments, the substantially unobstructed linear path may have a length of at least about 22 mm.

In another embodiment, the substantially unobstructed linear path may have a length of at least about 20 mm and a cross-section at least about 11 mm wide and 20 mm high throughout the unobstructed linear path.

In some embodiments, the finger channel extends at least about 25% of the width in a direction from the outer wall toward the fastener. In other embodiments, the finger channel extends at least about 45% of the width in a direction from the outer wall toward the fastener. In yet other embodiments, the finger channel extends at least about 50% of the width in a direction from the outer wall toward the fastener.

In some embodiments, the fastener comprises a release tab that is positioned in the substantially unobstructed linear path.

In one embodiment, the substantially unobstructed linear path is measured as a distance from the finger slot in the outer wall to the fastener tab, and has a length of at least about 22 mm. In another embodiment, the substantially unobstructed linear path is measured as a distance from the finger slot in the outer wall to the fastener member, which has a length of at least about 79 mm.

In some embodiments, the food compartments are rounded, such that the ridge between the compartments on the top surface provides a corresponding finger channel on the bottom surface that allows more room for a finger to release the suction cup. In some embodiments, the channel allows sufficient room to comfortably accommodate any adult finger.

In further embodiments, the food receptacle comprises a stabilizing member to limit the rotation of the food receptacle on the table top or other external surface. In one embodiment, the stabilizing member is a non-skid surface. In a further embodiment, the non-skid surface is attached to a bottom of the outer wall and/or to a bottom surface of the food receptacle.

In another embodiment, the food receptacle comprises a cover that is releasably attached to the top surface. In some embodiments, the cover may be completely removed from the top surface. In other embodiments, the cover is hingedly or otherwise attached to the top surface. In another embodiment, the cover is affixed via friction fit, and may further employ the use of physical detents to lock the lid in place. In a further embodiment, the cover ensures that food and/or liquid does not spill out of the food compartments when the plate is being transported. In a particular embodiment, the food receptacle and cover, when fixedly attached, are watertight. In one embodiment, the cover provides adequate sealing of each food compartment to prevent mixing of food and/or liquids between compartments.

In a further embodiment, the cover is an activity cover which is removably attachable to substantially any suitable table of choice, including various shaped tables, such as oval, round, square, rectangular or even octagon. In some embodiments, the activity cover is a drawing surface. In other embodiments, the activity cover comprises a puzzle.

In one embodiment, a food receptacle in combination with an activity cover is portable, reusable, water resistant, ultra lightweight, made from non-toxic materials and washable. In a further embodiment, the eating plate is made from any suitable material of choice, such as polypropylene, which is washable, non-toxic, and water-resistant. In yet a further embodiment, the plate is substantially free from BPA's and phthalates.

In some embodiments, the food receptacle in combination with an activity cover may include one or more designs related to children, such as animals, moving vehicles (such as cars, trains, sailboats and rocket ships), cartoon characters, nursery rhymes, or the like.

After a child is done eating, the lid or cover may convert its function for use as a drawing apparatus. Such a cover may be considered to be a sketch/draw/art center. This may be fun and interactive for the child and for both the parent and child. It may make a dining experience stress-free and fun, while encouraging creativity, fun, and a love of learning.

A child may use color safe markers to draw pictures and create all sorts of text and graphics. Because toddlers love cause and effect activities, the cover may engage their exploratory interest. It also introduces coloring markers that a child can learn to grasp which may provide motor exercise. A toddler can also learn to draw on a defined area, as opposed to a table or floor.

A parent can introduce letters and words to assist future reading and success. Drawing letters is fun for a young child. In some embodiments, math puzzles may be added. For example, drawing numbers or shapes on the cover. In another example, parents can tell a child the names of shape(s) and repeat the number(s).

With different color markers, a child can play color match games or draw farm animals. A young child can learn about different animals and sounds. This may occupy a busy toddler at the table for a longer period of time while giving the parent a stress-free dining experience or time to tend to another child, have a conversation, or have fun and interact with their child and learn at the same time.

The possibilities for art are endless. Stamps, different color safe pens, etc., may be added. This may be good for fine motor skill development for child, and fun, interactive for parents.

Also, young children love to press buttons and open and close things. Some embodiments may include built in buttons and colors that makes noise each time the button or color is pressed by a young finger.

In some embodiments, a track is built into the lid to allow a young child to use toy cars for racing.

For older kids, the possibilities continue where an older child can draw imaginative fun objects, play hang-man, tic-tac-toe, word games, etc.

In some embodiments, media is enabled via the lid. For example, a child can listen to music and sing along or watch a movie after their meal is done. In some embodiments, a parent can link their iPhone™ (or other mobile device) to the small, flat device in the plastic cover that can stream movies or songs. This may allow parents to replace DVD players at restaurants.

The lid may also include a tactile alphabet board, writing center, or download learning games from the internet. In some embodiments, the lid comprises an entire learning system.

In some embodiments, learning modules may be associated with an aesthetic design. For example, in the penguin embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, a child may learn about penguins when eating from the penguin plate. In some embodiments, a video about penguins in their environment can be shown, showing how penguins eat fish whole, for example. As will readily be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, the learning experience is not limited to the penguin embodiment of FIG. 1 and other learning experiences could be used. For example, a caterpillar shaped food receptacle may provide education on how a caterpillar crystallizes into a butterfly.

FIG. 5 illustrates a method 200 of manufacturing a food receptacle, including providing a main portion 202 and a fastener 204. The main portion includes: a top surface for retaining food, the top surface comprising a perimeter; an outer wall connected to the perimeter; a finger slot in the outer wall; a bottom surface comprising a finger channel, the finger channel corresponding to a ridge in the top surface; and a coupling member, wherein the coupling member, finger slot, and finger channel are arranged so that an adult sized finger can be inserted through the finger slot and finger channel in a direction toward the coupling member, wherein the finger slot and finger channel provide a substantially unobstructed linear path to the coupling member, and wherein the substantially unobstructed linear path has a length of at least about 22 mm and a cross-section at least about 13 mm wide and 22 mm high throughout the unobstructed linear path. The fastener is configured to couple to the coupling member, and is further configured to releasably attach to an external surface.

In one embodiment, the method of manufacturing a food receptacle comprises providing a main portion 202 and a fastener 204. The main portion includes: a top surface for retaining food, the top surface comprising a perimeter; an outer wall connected to the perimeter; a finger slot in the outer wall; a bottom surface comprising a finger channel, the finger channel corresponding to a ridge in the top surface; and a coupling member, wherein the coupling member, finger slot, and finger channel are arranged so that an adult sized finger can be inserted through the finger slot and finger channel in a direction toward the coupling member, wherein the finger slot and finger channel provide a substantially unobstructed linear path to the coupling member, and wherein the substantially unobstructed linear path has a length of at least about 20 mm and a cross-section at least about 11 mm wide and 20 mm high throughout the unobstructed linear path. The fastener is configured to couple to the coupling member, and is further configured to releasably attach to an external surface.

In one embodiment, the main portion (comprising a top surface, one or more food compartments, a perimeter, an outer wall, ridge, and a bottom surface) is molded. In another embodiment, the main portion is injection molded.

The present disclosure solves the noted problems associated with the prior designs of others and further addresses the need for a play surface in combination herewith. The plate may have an interior dished portion for receiving food and a suction cup held centrally to the underside of the plate for securing the plate to the table surface. The suction cup underlies at least about a major portion of the lateral extent of the dished portion of the bowl. The suction cup may be held removably to the bowl by a bracket or other device. Additionally, the surface of the suction cup may have upstanding portions to engage the undersurface of the bracket to depress the suction cup assuredly upon downward movement of the plate.

A knob with an enlarged end may extend upwardly from the suction cup to be fitted within an opening in the center of the plate. In this way, the knob or button can push down on the suction thereby activating its secure adhesion to the table. In this way, the suction cup can be removed and the plate can be placed in a dishwasher for cleaning.

The plate can be made of plastic and the suction can be made of a variety of materials including rubber, flexible plastic or rubber-like materials. The materials may be such that they are safe for children and not be flexible. Any material can be used, and is preferably clean and non-toxic. As used herein, “rubber” will mean any material possessing these characteristics. The plate and cover and button can be made of a variety of shapes, sizes, and designs.

There may be a finger slot in the sidewall of the plate that allows an adult finger to fit through and access a finger channel on the bottom surface that leads to the suction cup. The channel is long enough for an adult finger to reach the suction cup, gently push up and release the suction, but it too long for the little finger of a toddler to grab. The finger slot may be about 5 cm wide at its widest point. The finger slot may be at least about 1.6 cm high as measured from the bottom of the outer wall.

Additionally, the present disclosure may include a desirable design cover to entice children to draw, color, and perform other activities after finishing their meal. It is also recognized that if a child's attention is occupied they will be better behaved, allowing the parent to enjoy their meal or other activity with less supervision of the child. Therefore, placemats with attention-grabbing designs or games incorporated thereon are generally preferred by parents.

In conclusion, the present disclosure is most advantageous and commercially viable because it provides for a sanitary surface for young children to eat from and gives parents and caregivers peace of mind that the disclosure will stay secured to the table surface on which it is placed.

These and other objects, advantages, and features of the present disclosure will become apparent from the description below of a particular embodiment. 

1. A food receptacle comprising: a top surface for retaining food, the top surface comprising a perimeter; an outer wall connected to the perimeter; a finger slot in the outer wall; a bottom surface comprising a finger channel, the finger channel corresponding to a ridge in the top surface; a fastener that releasably attaches the receptacle to an external surface, wherein the fastener, finger slot, and finger channel are arranged so that an adult sized finger can be inserted through the finger slot and finger channel in a direction toward the fastener, wherein the finger slot and finger channel provide a substantially unobstructed linear path to the fastener, and wherein the substantially unobstructed linear path has a length of at least about 22 mm and a cross-section at least about 13 mm wide and 22 mm high throughout the unobstructed linear path.
 2. The food receptacle of claim 1, wherein the receptacle has a central axis and the finger channel and finger slot are oriented at an angle from the central axis between 10 and 40 degrees.
 3. The food receptacle of claim 1, wherein the fastener is a suction device.
 4. The food receptacle of claim 3, wherein the height of the outer wall approximates the height from the bottom of the fastener to a point on the top surface where the outer wall connects to the perimeter when the fastener is not attached to the external surface.
 5. The food receptacle of claim 1, wherein the top surface for retaining food comprises a plurality of food compartments and wherein the ridge separates at least about two of the plurality of food compartments.
 6. The food receptacle of claim 1, further comprising a stabilizing member to limit rotation of the receptacle on the external surface.
 7. The food receptacle of claim 6, wherein the stabilizing member is a non-skid surface attached to a bottom of the outer wall.
 8. The food receptacle of claim 6, wherein the stabilizing member is a non-skid surface attached to the bottom surface.
 9. The food receptacle of claim 1, further comprising a cover removably attached to the top surface.
 10. The food receptacle of claim 1, wherein the fastener comprises a release tab that is positioned in the substantially unobstructed linear path.
 11. A method of manufacturing a food receptacle, comprising: providing a main portion comprising: a top surface for retaining food, the top surface comprising a perimeter; an outer wall connected to the perimeter; a finger slot in the outer wall: a bottom surface comprising a finger channel, the finger channel corresponding to a ridge in the top surface; a coupling member, wherein the coupling member, finger slot, and finger channel are arranged so that a finger can be inserted through the finger slot and finger channel in a direction toward the coupling member, wherein the finger slot and finger channel provide a substantially unobstructed linear path to the coupling member, and wherein the substantially unobstructed linear path has a length of at least about 22 mm and a cross-section at least about 13 mm wide and 22 mm high throughout the unobstructed linear path; and providing a fastener configured to couple to the coupling member, wherein the fastener is further configured to releasably attach to an external surface.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the receptacle has a central axis and the finger channel and finger slot are oriented at an angle from the central axis between 10 and 40 degrees.
 13. The method of claim 11, wherein the fastener is a suction device.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the height of the outer wall approximates the height from the bottom of the fastener to a point on the top surface where the outer wall connects to the perimeter when the fastener is not attached to the external surface.
 15. The method of claim 11, wherein the top surface for retaining food comprises a plurality of food compartments and wherein the ridge separates at least about two of the plurality of food compartments.
 16. The method of claim 11, wherein the food receptacle further comprises a stabilizing member to limit rotation of the receptacle on the external surface.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the stabilizing member is a non-skid surface attached to a bottom of the outer wall.
 18. The method of claim 16, wherein the stabilizing member is a non-skid surface attached to the bottom surface.
 19. The method of claim 11, wherein the food receptacle further comprises a cover removably attached to the top surface.
 20. The method of claim 11, wherein the fastener comprises a release tab that is oriented on the fastener so that the release tab lies in the substantially unobstructed linear path when the fastener is coupled to the coupling member.
 21. A food receptacle comprising: a top surface having at least two food compartments for retaining food separated by a ridge, the top surface comprising a perimeter having a shape; an outer wall connected to the perimeter; a finger slot in the outer wall; a bottom surface opposite the top surface; a suction device coupled to the bottom surface configured to releasably attach the receptacle to an external surface, the suction device having a release tab aligned toward the finger slot, wherein the release tab is configured to release suction pressure of the suction device to remove the receptacle from the external surface; and a finger channel on the bottom surface having a first distance between the outer wall and release tab of the suction device, the finger slot being configured to accommodate insertion of an adult finger to engage the release tab; wherein the first distance from the outer wall to the release tab is within reach of an adult sized finger but out of reach of a child sized finger.
 22. The food receptacle of claim 21, wherein the finger channel has a length of at least about 22 mm and a cross-section at least about 13 mm wide and 22 mm high throughout the first distance.
 23. The food receptacle of claim 21, wherein the shape of the food receptacle perimeter has a central axis and the finger channel and finger slot are oriented at an angle from the central axis between 10 and 40 degrees, such that when the food receptacle is attached to an external surface and in front of a child, the finger slot is out of the reach of the child and/or hidden from view of the child.
 24. The food receptacle of claim 21, wherein: at least a first portion of the ridge extends to the perimeter; the finger slot in the outer wall is proximate the first portion of the ridge; the release tab is proximate a second portion of the ridge; and the finger channel is positioned within the ridge extending between the first and second portions of the ridge in a substantially unobstructed linear path between the outer wall and release tab of the suction device, the finger channel being configured to accommodate insertion of an adult finger to engage the release tab.
 25. The food receptacle of claim 21, further comprising a stabilizing member to limit rotation of the receptacle on the external surface.
 26. The food receptacle of claim 21, further comprising a cover removably attached to the top surface covering the food compartments.
 27. The food receptacle of claim 26, wherein the cover is watertight.
 28. The food receptacle of claim 26, wherein the cover is coupled to the ridge(s) between the at least two food compartments and is configured to provide sealing of each food compartment to prevent mixing of food and/or liquids between compartments.
 29. The food receptacle of claim 26, wherein the cover is an activity cover configured to engage a child's attention, the activity cover being selected from the group consisting of: a sketch/draw/art center with color safe markers; a track built into the cover for racing toy cars; a media center having a device mounted in the cover for listening to music or watching a movie; and built in buttons and colors that makes noise each time the button or color is pressed
 30. The food receptacle of claim 21, wherein the food receptacle perimeter comprises an aesthetic element such that the functional elements described above are embodied in a shape selected from the group consisting of: animals (such as a penguin, whale, butterfly, caterpillar, or other animals); moving vehicles (such as cars, trains, sailboats, rocket ships, or other moving vehicles); cartoon characters, nursery rhymes; and geometric shapes (such as a circle, a square, an oval, a trapezoid, or other geometric shapes). 